Digging deep into what's up in Christian Fiction to help you find your next great read!
Listen in and learn about how bell towers won out over clock towers and became a big part of each of the novellas in the Christmas in the Cascades collection. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. In this episode, I chatted with April Kidwell and Marline Williams about their collection set in the Cascades in Oregon. All centered around a bell tower and... Christmas of course. We talked about them getting to know each other, about how they learned about bells, how they created this fictional community, and how they kept everything straight. Don't forget to find out about the Dane's Creek Christmas Cookbook! And this is that song I mentioned about the three bells: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5pH7l3qdPw Christmas in the Cascades by Marissa Adams, April Kidwell, Marline Williams, Chris Daniel, and Cali Black Christmas In The Cascades Ring in the holidays with five sweet stories of love and hope through the decades in Dane’s Creek, Oregon. 1874 – Glad and Golden Hours When her father's injury prevents him from founding the town bell, Eleanor Craven's bleak Christmas is cheered by the arrival of the charming Silas Fairbanks. But no sooner does their romance begin than it is endangered by a startling revelation. 1910 – The Thrill of Hope Widow Zaidée Cross, an outsider in Dane’s Creek, faces eviction from Bell Tower Cottage. Compelled to aid her wild schemes, Deputy Sheriff Björn Bergstrom fears he may lose his job and his heart. 1967 – Wild and Sweet Haunted by a near-miss campfire kiss a decade ago, Rory Adams spends the summer of ’67 fleeing her boring Philadelphia country club life. Her solo train trip to photograph historic Oregon Trail bell towers offers a fresh start—and a second chance at the love of a lifetime. 2000 – Romancing Her Home Montana horse breeder Slim Steadman relies on lessons passed down from his granddad to remain calm as the Y2K approaches causing many around him to panic. But his faith is challenged when Jenny O'Malley, the fiery red head he’s fallen in love with, comes face to face with a crisis neither of them can bridle. 2024 – Finding Home Mayor Jared Carter has no idea how to revive his dying town. When celebrity baker, Sass Kelleman agrees to come and bake the cake for the town’s 150th anniversary celebration on Christmas Eve, the shocking secret she carries with her leads to a sweet happily ever after. Learn more about the authors on their websites! https://marissaadamsbooks.com/ https://aprilkidwellauthor.com/ https://marlinewilliams.com/ https://www.authorcaliblack.com/ Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
10/15/24 • 40:18
An heiress, a widow, and a fish-out-of water walk into a series... Listen in and see who you'll meet in the Stone Creek Brides series. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Kathleen Rouser's Stone Creek Brides series offers strong heroines, each with something they'd rather keep quiet. This latest novel, Scandals and Mercies, dives deep into the conflict between expectations and obligations and how the Lord handles those. Scandals and Mercies by Kathleen Rouser He’s a reporter determined to uncover the truth, but the secrets he finds could crush her family—and their second chance at love. Taken from her family’s farm to be raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle, Nora Armstrong has accepted that not only will she never realize her dream of becoming a teacher, she’d also rather be a spinster than submit to her cruel aunt’s society selection of a suitable husband. The one man who caught her eye betrayed her best friend. And she’s got enough on her hands, hiding her sister’s shameful secret from her aunt. When the local home for unwed mothers burns down, the arson investigation brings big-city reporter James Cooper back to Stone Creek—and back into Nora’s life. James also has a meddling aunt who raises more questions than she answers about his past. Not to mention, he can’t figure out why Nora constantly rebuffs him. When his reporting casts aspersions on the local church and lays the blame for the fire and a series of robberies at the wrong feet, he risks losing his new position at the paper. As they seek to unravel the town’s mystery, rescue endangered mothers and children, and navigate their own family secrets forced to light, James and Nora increasingly turn to each other for help. But can they overcome James’s lack of faith and the disapproval of Nora’s guardians to find a second chance at love? Learn more about Kathleen on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
10/11/24 • 36:24
I've discovered a ridiculous love for castles that probably originated when author Cathe Swanson lived in one and I visited. But Ann Swindell has ramped it up a huge notch with her fictional kingdom of Lethersby, a historical secret, and of course, Christmas! Listen in and see why I can't wait for more from her! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Look, one book about castles and fictitious kingdoms, and hundred-year-old mysteries is pretty awesome, but learning it's the first in a series? EEEP! I can't wait. I had a blast talking through Anne's creation of the kingdom, her characters, and what readers will find in upcoming books. Christmas in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday. Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost queen, a young royal who disappeared shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. With the help of Mark, a handsome castle staff member who shares her love of history, she might be able to unravel the queen’s story. But Mark is keeping his own secret from her, and what they discover together could change everything for Ellie—and the entire kingdom. Learn more about Ann on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
10/8/24 • 32:50
After listening to her Buried Secrets on Audible, I couldn't wait to chat with S.F. Baumgartner about her latest book in the Mirror Estate series, Hidden Secrets. Listen in and see what we'll see in this next thriller in the series! Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. If you love suspense and thrillers without all the romance, this is the series for you! While there are romantic elements to some of the books, Baumgartner leaves it minimal, focusing on the suspense primarily. Also, don't forget her audiobooks on Audible! Hidden Secrets by S.F. Baumgartner Abducted. Trapped. Hunted. Grace Benson must find a way out… or die trying. After her harrowing escape from a kill order, Grace thought she’d return to a normal life, only to be abducted from her home. Meanwhile, FBI investigations into the murders of a congressman and his staff uncover a shocking link to Grace's abduction, threatening international stability. Desperate to survive, Grace allies with an unlikely partner—a child who knows the bunker's secrets—but as they navigate the treacherous tunnel system, a misplaced step echoes through the corridors, alerting a deranged captor who now closes in, gun in hand. If you like Alex Cross, Gabriel Allon, you will like this unpredictable, fast-paced suspense thriller. Learn more about Sylvia on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
10/4/24 • 24:56
No one does Christmas like Melody Carlson, and her latest Christmas release, The Christmas Tree Farm promises to be one of her best. Listen in and see why I was so excited to read it that I opened my mail while we chatted to get it! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Melody was such a trooper, fighting all kinds of technological glitches (that thankfully you can't hear!) and learning new things to get me recordings and such. I so appreciate her. We talked about themes of forgiveness and releasing control to God, working out relationships, and more. Inspired by seeing how the Oregon fires affected tree farms over the state, Melody wrote a story of a neglected tree farm, the travesty happening next door (tongue firmly in cheek, but not according to her character!), and the fractured relationship between two sisters. She also gave a hint of what's coming next spring! EEEP! The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter. With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister. Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings. You can get The Christmas Tree Farm for 30% off and maybe with free US shipping from BakerBookHouse.com. Learn more about Melody on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
10/1/24 • 26:47
Author of one of my top reads of the year, June Bug, Chris Fabry is also the novelist for the Kendrick Brothers' beloved movies including the most recent, The Forge. Listen in as we discuss the story and the process of writing from a screenplay! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Chis Fabry, author of so many beloved novels and the podcaster behind Moody's Chris Fabry Live, has teamed up with the Kendrick Brothers again to bring the book version of the story to readers. I loved chatting about the themes within the book, the process of writing it, and what we might see in the future. The Forge by Chris Fabry As Cynthia Wright’s marriage implodes, she is forced to raise her teenage son, Isaiah, alone. The pressure of providing for them through her salon is a full-time job in itself. When Cynthia sees Isaiah pulling away and escaping into video games, tensions rise and prayers feel unanswered. Angry and hurt, Isaiah starts acting like the father who abandoned him, and Cynthia gives him an ultimatum while turning to her twin sister, Elizabeth Jordan, for support. Elizabeth enlists a seasoned prayer warrior who challenges Cynthia to pray boldly and believe God for the impossible. Caught in the middle, Isaiah longs for respect, but sees no clear path to becoming a good man. Desperate for a job, he wanders into Moore Fitness, Inc. and encounters the owner, Joshua Moore, who introduces him to the concept of working for a coach rather than a boss. Needing the work, Isaiah reluctantly begins his mentoring process with Joshua. While Cynthia clings to hope, no one sees the coming storms brewing at the company and in Isaiah’s heart. The Forge is about the power of prayer, the transformation only God can achieve, and the lasting influence one person can have on others. You can learn more about Chris Fabry on his WEBSITE. Also follow him on GoodReads or BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
9/27/24 • 38:41
No one does romantic comedy like Angela Ruth Strong--part hilarity, part depth, the stories always have that extra level of richness that we so love in her work. Listen in and see why I'm sure Fiance Finale will be no different. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Author of Husband Auditions, Hero Debut, and now, Fiance Finale (see what she did there?) Angela Ruth Strong has created a brilliant trilogy of romcoms that combine the kind of realistic, awkward moments best found in a romcom with the sort of spiritual and personal depth usually reserved for women's fiction. Not on Angela's part. She dives in and balances them well so that you get a truly enriching read and a whole lot of zany laughs. Fiance Finale by Angela Ruth Strong It might be the worst plan in the world--but it's the only one he's got. Charlie Newberg is sure about one thing: he knows the woman God wants him to marry. There's a slight problem, though--he's already left her once. The day before their wedding. To make a documentary. But he's got a plan. The marketing firm she works for is the ideal choice to promote his new film. So he conspires with her boss to make sure she runs the campaign. Working together will give him the perfect chance to propose again. Due to her own plot twist, Nicole Lemaire is forced to promote the very documentaries Charlie left her to film. Despite Nicole's resistance, the two work well together. But it's going to take more than teamwork to convince the jilted bride to give Charlie a second chance. In fact, it might require falling in love in a way Charlie’s never really understood. Angela Ruth Strong closes out her hilarious, heartfelt series with a couple who will give readers a lot of laughs and the hope that God sees and redeems even the most broken stories. Learn more about Angela on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
9/24/24 • 37:45
I always love a chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher. She writes a lovely variety of genres, and her Amish is some of the best out there, so chatting about her new book, A Healing Touch was the highlight of this summer! Listen in to learn about "Dok" Soltzfus, Annie, and the baby! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Next up in the Stony Ridge community, Fisher tackles several serious topics--an ex-Amish doctor (if I recall correctly), her Amish assistant, a found baby, and one woman's breast cancer journey. In this book, Fisher and her "Dok" show how healing isn't just about medicine and diagnoses--sometimes it's deeper and comes from within--from the heart. A Healing Touch by Suzanne Woods Fisher Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus is the kind of doctor who still believes in house calls, addressing not just her patients' physical needs but their emotional ones too. When newly widowed Bee faces a breast cancer diagnosis, Dok connects her with Fern Lapp for support. When her painfully shy assistant Annie finds herself drawn to a new calling, Dok goes to great lengths to help her achieve her dream. And when an abandoned newborn mysteriously appears at her office one frosty morning, Dok's world takes an unexpected turn as ripples of change touch several lives. A Healing Touch is a captivating tale of compassion, resilience, and the bonds that form in surprising places. Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you into a new story that's like medicine for the weary soul. Join Dok, Annie, and the tight-knit Stoney Ridge community as they navigate the twists of fate, discovering that sometimes the greatest healing comes from the heart. Get A Healing Touch for 40% off with FREE US shipping through the end of September at BakerBookHouse.com You can learn more about Suzanne from her WEBSITE. Also, follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
9/20/24 • 19:15
Author of brilliant Southern fiction, T.I. Lowe's latest release, Lowcountry Lost has such a super-cool premise. Listen in and learn about how Avalee totally renovates a ghost town! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Okay, so I love me a good home renovation show, but in a book? And a whole TOWN not just one building? YES, PLEASE! T.I. Lowe combines a second-chance romance with some hard-hitting topics AND... a lot of fun, whimsical moments with quirky characters to create a book I can't wait to read! Lowcountry Lost by T.I. Lowe Sometimes what haunts you most is wondering what could have been. Avalee Elvis prides herself with being able to fix just about anything. . . except her past. Unable to put the puzzle of her life together, she pours heart and soul into making neglected places whole again. As the owner of Lowcountry Lost, Avalee spends her days in hot-pink Carhartt overalls and a tool belt reclaiming Lowcountry properties. Making them beautiful again releases the deep sigh that soothes the hurt she holds. Avalee’s latest project takes her to tiny Somewhere, South Carolina, a long-abandoned town. She ignores its ghostly folklore but can’t miss the shock of hearing the familiar Irish brogue that materializes on the job site—the voice of the man she never wanted to see again. Rowan Murray is a structural engineer hired by investors to oversee the redevelopment of the quaint downtown Avalee is bringing back to life. Once upon a time, he was also the man who knew Avalee better than anyone else—or so he thought. Six years ago, neither of them was prepared for the tragedy they would face together or what would happen in its wake. But as they work together to complete the rehabbing of Somewhere, their broken pieces and the pain that nearly consumed them begin to lose its grip, and both begin to wonder if it’s not too late for a restoration of their own. From the author of the breakout Southern fiction bestseller Under the Magnolias comes a story of loss and abandonment, forgiveness, and the beauty of undying love. Learn more about T.I. Lowe on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
9/17/24 • 31:30
I love it when authors tackle the hard things in life with hope and redemption, and Carrie Walker's Emma's Hero feels like exactly the sort of book I love most. Listen in while we learn about this book, the series, and more! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Carrie Walker talks about bad decisions, difficult consequences, and the joy and hope God can bring within these circumstances. I have to say I love her hook. "God won't give me more than I can handle? I'm pretty sure He just did"?? Yeah. Love how she twisted that misquoted and applied statement. Emma's Hero by Carrie Walker “God won’t give me more than I can handle? I’m pretty sure He just did.” After a year of loss and bad choices distance Emma Reynolds from her lifelong beliefs, she finds herself pregnant and alone at a twenty-week ultrasound, hearing the words “incompatible with life.” When her son, Theo, survives birth, she fights to give him the best care possible. As each day passes, Emma’s love for Theo grows—along with her fear of losing him. She can’t understand why God allows her son to suffer. Seventeen-year-old blogger, Mason Hughes, feels lonely and worthless after his father left their family years ago. When he ignores his mother’s push to “contribute to society,” she volunteers him to help Emma each week. Wishing he’d applied for any other job, Mason has no choice but to grocery shop and practice his rusty social skills with a mother and son he doesn’t know. Paramedic Ben Sullivan has earned himself the title of “most eligible” bachelor among his friends as they continually set him up on blind dates. While he’d love to avoid the uncomfortable events, his heart can’t help but seek the one thing missing in his life—a marriage like his parents have. If only he could find the woman himself. As Theo’s tiny life connects them to each other, their loneliness breaks under the love of community, and they will never be the same. Learn more about Carrie on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
9/13/24 • 28:05
One of my all time favorite authors has another book coming out in a couple of weeks, and I for one, am crazy excited to see what she's done with this new series! Listen in to find out what the Time's Lost Treasures series has in store and more about the first book! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Author of Dickens reimaginings, Regency stories from a different perspective, the Blackfriars Lane series, and the Monsters & Men series, Michelle Griep is a genius at pulling unexpected stories from the familiar and unfamiliar both. We chatted about Of Gold and Shadows and how it delves into the Egyptology mania of the 19th century. I can't wait to see what she does with this series! Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep The shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined. . . . In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker. After eight years in India, Oxford's most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor's determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin--rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk--surfaces, and they're left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . . "Don't miss all the romance, adventure, and danger in [this] new page-turner."--JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling author of Shadows of Swanford Abbey Learn more about Michelle on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
9/10/24 • 29:39
When I learned that Becca Wierwille was taking a trip to Guatemala in Road Trip Return, I knew I was going to like this book! Listen in to see why Guatemala and what's coming in this sequel to her debut novel! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Daniel from Road Trip Return is back in this international story of family, friendship, and finding peace with the things that happen in our lives. Becca shared her own history with Guatemala, how she worked out Daniel's backstory, what is up with Kickstarter, and more! We even got a peek at what's coming next! EEEP! Road Trip Return by Becca Wierwille A faith-filled international adventure for kids ages 8-12 about facing the past to embrace the future. Daniel likes his life the way it is. Simple. Predictable. And most importantly, just him and his older brother, Mateo. But as Mateo's wedding approaches, life is already changing. And Daniel worries Mateo’s fiancée, Skylar, will ruin everything. When Skylar disappears a week before the ceremony, Daniel’s concerns are confirmed. Skylar is trouble. The wedding must be stopped. Drawing on his twelve years of wisdom, Daniel vows to save his family from disaster. Even if that means traveling to Guatemala—the home of his father, and the last place he ever wanted to visit. Learn more about on WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
9/6/24 • 32:44
When Marline Williams told me about her book, All Men Are Liars, and explained it was about the Jesus Revolution time in the early seventies, I knew she had a winner. There's NOTHING out there yet (although I know of another series coming!). So listen in to see why Williams wrote this book and where the series is going! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. As a very young kid in the seventies (born in 1970) I was pretty clueless to the Jesus Revolution until the early nineties when I met a friend whose husband was a big part of it--her pastor who looked right out of a pop album cover, and really heard about these people who went from "free love" to Jesus' love during the middle of the last long revival America had. Marline Williams was a part of that movement and uses her experiences and memories to readers of today to that time so we see what total surrender to the Lord can look like in the every day... plus a little romance along the way. The book came out on Sunday and is available in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited! All Men Are Liars by Marline Williams Hey, Jesus People need love, too! 1973. This is it. The year "dateless" Dana Whitman vows she’ll finally get a Christian boyfriend. At her stuffy Bible college, that means squelching her Jesus freaky ways, her wild child self. To pull this off, she’ll need all her theatrical skills—and some boring conservative threads. So long, funky bell-bottoms. Hello, Brady Bunch miniskirts. No more tambourines in church. No more sidewalk surfing. But the right guy’s worth it. After all, it’s not like she’s lying or anything! It’s just a harmless put-on. Dana fights a freak-out when her prim-and-proper camouflage works a little too well. Neither the devilishly handsome campus Romeo nor the pre-med peacenik were part of her plan. When temptation masquerades as true love, will Dana betray her newfound faith or her free-spirited heart? Learn more about on WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
9/3/24 • 56:12
I don't know about you, but nothing says "Christmas is coming!" like a good cozy mystery full of all the Christmas things AND... maybe some yummy-sounding treat. Listen in to see why Murder Goes Caroling did it for me! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Malissa and I had a great time chatting about her writing, how this book went, and even why she made some of the choices she did. We also got a tiny hint of future books and things. YAY! Furthermore, she shared how you can save a bit on her preorder, get it directly from her, and even about the merch and stuff she has in her online store. Best of all, use BecauseFiction with your order until September 30 for that discount! Murder Goes Caroling by Malissa Chapin Ringing in the holidays just hit a sour note. With mayhem threatening to turn festive carols into dirges, can a gifted pianist unmask a nasty scrooge? Piper Haydn loves Christmas. Excited for her charming town’s upcoming celebrations, she refuses to leave anything to chance whether it be decorations or Christmas music. But she goes from rhythm to blues when she discovers the donated antique nativity set in her care has been senselessly vandalized. Fearing the wrath of the curmudgeon who donated the expensive display, the ever-meticulous woman grabs her artsy friend and dives in to investigate. And the case takes a humbug of a new twist when they arrive at the grumpy donor’s home to deliver some melodic cheer, only to find the door open and him out cold. Can Piper bring back the jingle by sleuthing out the slippery scoundrel? Learn more about Malissa on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
8/30/24 • 37:50
Buckle up your seatbelts (and maybe grab a 3-point harness, too), because we're about to go on a wild ride with DiAnn Mills as we talk about her upcoming release, Lethal Standoff. Listen in to learn how we came up with a book idea while chatting! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I've always enjoyed DiAnn Mills' books, but boy, recently, they feel like they've kicked up an extra notch. Learn about her research, personal lessons she learned, and a nod to where things could go next. Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills Justice can be elusive. Family secrets can be deadly. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in a volatile criminal case filled with unanswered questions. And Carrington Reed is running short on time to piece together clues that will solve the puzzle. Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is called to the scene when reports come in that fifteen hostages are being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in south Texas. When she arrives on site, Carrington quickly learns that the brothers are armed and refuse to release their victims, a group of undocumented immigrants, until the local police identify their father’s murderer. Working closely with Levi Ehrlich, a handsome investigative reporter who has covered some of Carrington’s negotiations in the past, she finds herself being undeniably drawn to him. Carrington digs deeper into the death of the Kendrixes’ father and begins to notice that some details surrounding his death aren’t adding up. As Carrington investigates the brothers’ claims and tries to piece together their motive for taking innocent people captive, it soon becomes clear that they are trying to hide something and that revenge for their father’s death may not be what they’re really bargaining for after all. To protect the hostages and ensure the brothers don’t carry out the rest of their sinister plot, Carrington must get to the bottom of one family’s secret and the truth they’re trying so hard to hide before time runs out. Award winning author DiAnn Mills delivers pulse-pounding romantic suspense about secrets, betrayal, and finding a path to forgiveness. Get Lethal Standoff at 20% off from BakerBookHouse.com Learn more about DiAnn on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
8/27/24 • 38:38
Author of a lovely variety of historical romances, Sara R. Turnquist has something for everyone--including a cool split-time series that has me mesmerized. Listen in to learn more! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I knew I'd be interested in Sara's books when I perused Amazon, but oh my gravy, I had no idea of the variety she offered. By the middle of our discussion, I'd already bought two of the audiobooks. This isn't uncommon, however, my eagerness to get started before we even finished talking? Yeah. *whistles. I didn't... I didn't... Laura, the Tycoon's Daughter by Sara R. Turnquist She is in a hopeless situation. He has sworn off love. Can they find hope in each other and, possibly, a way out of their personal prisons? Laura Millington is the daughter of a prominent railroad tycoon, but that luxury comes at a price. Her father’s intentions are to use her as a pawn, steal her choices, and press her into a mold she can’t seem to fit. When her curious nature and desire for justice finds her caught up in the middle of a train run gone wrong, can she stand for the truth even if it places her in opposition to her powerful father? Jack Patterson has been betrayed by love. And he is determined to never risk his heart again. The vulnerable, strong-willed Laura intrigues him more than he’s allowed since his heartbreak. Can he overcome his reluctance? Moreover, will he be able to protect her from the man who would see her future dashed? Crossing paths with train engineer Casey Jones and his heroic act of self-sacrifice, will Laura and Jack find a way to stand side by side against the overwhelming forces keeping them apart? Learn more about Sara on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
8/23/24 • 44:37
Carrie Turansky is back with another fabulous split-time novel, A Token of Love. This time we're looking at a foundling home and a journalist out to uncover well-hidden secrets. Listen in as Carrie talks about her research and get a hint at what isn't coming next! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. A total aside here, but aren't bookstores really orphanages for books seeking shelfie families? History is riddled with the horrifying secrets within different foundling homes and orphanages, but it never ceases to amaze me when I hear of another one. Carrie Turansky described the museum she attended, the questions she asked, and everything needed to ensure this book was exactly what it should be. She even shared a bit about how she writes split-time novels... and why she is taking a break from them, too! A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice. In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister's plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice's disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction. In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum's history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum's reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes. You can get it at 40% off through BakerBookHouse.com Learn more about Carrie Turansky on her WEBSITE. Also, follow her on BookBub and GoodReads To find her Facebook Group, go HERE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
8/20/24 • 25:44
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the microphone in an audiobook narrator's booth? Listen in and see what Christa DelSorbo gets up to while narrating and how you can listen to some of her work FREE. Because the only thing better than a great audiobook is a FREE great audiobook, right? note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Christa DelSorbo is a dear friend who happens also to be my primary audiobook narrator. She's done Southern women's fiction, romance, romantic suspense, historical Italian romance, historical mystery, and even a gritty suspense that borders on thriller--all clean and so far, all Christian fiction. Christa talks about: how she got started what her process looks like the accents she enjoys (and her accent nemesis) the best and worst parts of her job crazy authors who dare to make her mouth do linguistic gymnastics (that'd be me!) and more! But most important, she talked about her YouTube channel where you can listen to (so far) nine books FREE (and two more waiting to queue up in the next couple of months)! We'd both love it if you'd stop by https://youtube.com/@ChristaDelSorbo and subscribe. It seems like such a small, silly thing, but it is the difference between her getting paid for her hard work or not so... pretty please? Audiobooks narrated by ChristaDelSorbo Christmas on Breakers Point Dual Power of Convenience Bookers on the Rocks Flipping Hearts Finding a Memory Book, Chapter, & Vows The Last Gasp The Nutcracker's Secret A Ransomed Grete A Giant Murder Silencing the Siren Labor of Love Summer Cover Up Autumn Vindication Winter Deception Spring Betrayal Night Songs No Turning Back Listen to Christa's narration FREE on YouTube. Learn more about Christa on her WEBSITE and follow her on YouTube and Instagram. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
8/16/24 • 53:08
Readers of mysteries and suspense tend to love that moment where justice is served, but Sarah Hamaker's Seeking Justice series picks up where justice failed her characters. Listen in and see why her newest release, Justice Delayed, zipped to the top of my TBR. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Author of the Cold War Legacy series (amazing series. Definitely check it out!), Sarah Hamaker picks up a new series and kicks it off with a woman who served prison time for a crime she didn't commit and her determination to find out what did happen. Justice Delayed by Sarah Hamaker Journalist Brogan Gilmore had been a rising star when an unethical shortcut on a story leads to his fall from grace. A chance encounter with convicted murderer Melender Harman a few months after her release from prison provides Brogan with a chance for career redemption—if he can land an interview with her. After serving her 17-year sentence, Melender has one objective: To uncover the truth about what happened to her cousin the night the toddler disappeared. When Brogan pursues her for an exclusive story, she reluctantly agrees if he’ll help her reexamine the original investigation into Jesse’s presumed kidnapping and murder. While re-investigating the case, Brogan struggles to keep his objectivity as he begins to believe Melender is innocent of the crime—and starts to envision a possible future together. Then a shocking discovery throws their relationship—and investigation—into turmoil. As Brogan and Melender come closer to solving what happened to Jesse, will their budding relationship survive the truth? Learn more about Sarah on her WEBSITE and find Sarah Hamaker on GoodReads and BookBub, too! Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
8/13/24 • 35:43
After talking with Ken Urbansky about his The Timeless Apostle, I think I've figured out my favorite way to read Biblicalish fiction! If you do a time travel mashup and send someone back to interact with folks in that era... yes, please! Listen in to learn more about Ken and his books. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. The idea of going back in time to walk and talk with Biblical characters and to see the reality of the Biblical account? It sounds amazing. But Ken Urbansky hasn't just written this kind of spec-fic, he and a friend have also written a series that kind of mashes up supernatural Biblical ideas with Sci-fi! WHAT??? I've got to try this out. The Timeless Apostle by Ken Urbansky Meet Tommy Evans, a college dropout who’s fed up with the hypocrisy of Christianity. He’d rather choose homelessness than live under his dad’s religious roof another day. But Tommy’s world is about to flip upside down overnight. One moment he’s rehashing a heated argument with his dad about the myth of Christianity, and the next, he’s waking up in the body of the apostle Thomas in ancient Galilee. Tommy is a total skeptic thrown into a world with a Jesus he doesn’t believe in! At first, he hopes it’s just a vivid dream, but the miracles and teachings around him are all too real. This Jesus? Not what he expected. The disciples? Absolutely nothing like he imagined. As Tommy grapples with the complexities of first-century Israel, Roman domination, and Jewish zealotry, Thomas’s life challenges everything he thought he knew about the bible. But Tommy knows something no other disciple does: Jesus is headed for a crucifixion. And he’s got a hunch he might have been divinely sent back in time to prevent it. Torn between saving his new friend and mentor and preserving the biblical timeline, he struggles to decide which choice will finally send him home. With revolution brewing and religious authorities scheming, Tommy must decipher his purpose before catastrophe strikes in Jerusalem. Will he radically rewrite history or let it run its course? Prepare for a heart-pounding journey through time, where one man’s decision can change the course of human history. Learn more about Ken on his WEBSITE and follow him on GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
8/9/24 • 41:52
When I learned that Sue Fairchild's Changing Tides deals with a widower learning to process his grief and shows the value of community, I was all in. When I learned it isn't a romance, I did a jig. Listen in to see what Sue has planned for this book and subsequent novels! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. With a cover that makes me wish for the days of travel agents where you would go in and show a picture and say, "I want to go there" (yes, I did that once), Changing Tides offers a beautiful story full of family, love, and community, but as I've already said (but have to say again) isn't a romance! I love that Fairchild focused on friendship and community rather than trying to fill the gap left by a loved one with a replacement. That isn't a bad thing per see, but to see something different is a blessing. Also, that fantasy series by Danielle Harrington, the Hollis Timewire Series can be found HERE. Changing Tides by Sue Fairchild The tide will come in no matter what you do. Eventually it’ll swallow you up if you don’t move with it. Gabriel Pechman has finally fulfilled his wife’s greatest dream — he’s quit his finance job and moved to the Outer Banks to live a life of peace and joy in the sun. Too bad his wife never lived to see it happen. After Ellie’s untimely death at the age of fifty-two, Gabe seeks to fulfill her wishes. Doing so does not erase his grief, however, but sometimes increases his loneliness as he struggles to create a new life without his beloved wife. The more he tries to fight the overwhelming grief he feels, the more it seems to haunt him. He soon discovers grief has no set end date and no set location — it follows you everywhere you go. Living in paradise also doesn’t protect Gabe from fresh sorrow. When a new friend suffers a heart attack and Gabe has the urge to run away from his pain, can he overcome the constantly changing tides of grief to be the friend the new widow needs or will he succumb to the waves? Learn more about Sue on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
8/6/24 • 33:37
Spinning has always fascinated me, but instead of "wool gathering," I turned to spinning stories. Well, Heather Wood has "spun a yarn" that promises to touch hearts, encourage faith, and show a bit of history--of our country and in the weaving industry. Listen in to learn more about Weaving Roots by Heather Wood. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. With a title like Weaving Roots, it isn't any wonder that this book is part of a multi-generational saga and about historical textile creation (sort of... that's a part of it anyway!). But listening to Heather tell about this woman, her nephew, and the brother who neglects him... oh my. It broke my heart and made me eager to read all in one, all-too-short conversation. Weaving Roots by Heather Wood Baltimore, 1828 Spinning. Turning flax to fine linen thread for her family’s weaving business keeps Betha’s hands occupied all day, but it’s the concerns spinning in her heart that never truly rest. How can she give her nephew Henry a secure, loving home when his father remains indifferent? How can she guide the boy who calls her “Ma” to know and follow the Lord for himself? And when past secrets and future changes collide, will she lose Henry altogether? Colm Gallagher is passionate about teaching boys using innovative educational methods. But is his kind and thorough instruction enough if he is not allowed to give his students the ultimate truth of God’s Word? Confronted by his student Henry Young and the boy’s lovely but determined aunt, Colm considers if he has allowed practical considerations to outweigh his deepest-held beliefs. Even as Betha and Colm are drawn to each other, family loyalties, financial pressures, and personal uncertainties push them further apart. Will the threads of their lives unravel or become knit together into something stronger? Weaving linen is her family’s legacy. Weaving roots of truth and grace is her calling. Learn more about Heather on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
7/30/24 • 32:00
When I spoke to Lori DeJong last year, her True Calling series captured my interest right away. I mean, it isn't often you read stories where people truly have to choose what the Lord wants or what they want even if it seems as though choosing God is deciding against self. But Lori is BACK and she has another story--this time of two people in love with polar opposite paths. Listen in to see how that goes! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. One of my favorite aspects of Love's True Calling was the center where students could gather in a safe place. Well, that's back in this book but with new characters to focus on. EEEP! Learn how Lori wrote this series, when we might see the next, and more! If you want to listen to Lori's first interview where we chatted about Love's True Calling, you can find that HERE. Love's True Home by Lori DeJong Allyson Kincaid needs roots. Born and raised on the foreign mission field, all she wants is home and hearth on American soil. Finally past the break-up with the man she’d thought was the love of her life, she’s ready to put herself back out there. Too bad the first guy who’s made her pulse skip in nearly two years dreams of a life spent in foreign missions. She’s been there, done that, and, although she supports him in his calling, knows his choice means she’ll be laying even more broken dreams, and a newly shattered heart, at the feet of Jesus. When Zane Carpenter relocates to Arlington, Texas, his seventh move in thirteen years, his only thought is to meet his obligation with Becker Ministries in a few months, then take a foreign mission assignment, his dream for the past several years. But working so closely with Ally in student ministry has him feeling things he’s never experienced. He’s ready for a future with her, until he accepts an opportunity to work on foreign soil and Ally stays behind. He knows God put him there for a reason, although his heart still longs for the girl back home. You can learn more about Lori (and join her newsletter!) on her WEBSITE. Find her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
7/26/24 • 32:11
Have you ever noticed that some authors do this annoying thing where they take what you thought was your favorite book and then tell you about another book coming and boom! You're all out of sorts because that one's totally going to be a favorite? Well, now you know how I feel about Between the Sound and Sea. Listen in to see what book is the current fave and what probably will be. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Oh, boy! I don't think I've ever met anyone who didn't love a good lighthouse story, and notes from a log book tucked into the stone walls of a lighthouse? Sign me up, please! Amanda shares her stories of going to the Outer Banks and chatting with a man who runs an antique store out of his house. I've GOT to see that place! Don't miss out on the GoodReads giveaway going on through August... something. Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn't mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration. As the work begins, "Joey" discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls--pages torn from a lighthouse keeper's log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there's never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name. When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story--one that's not over yet. Multiple Christy Award winner Amanda Cox is your guide upon the raging seas of young love, heartbreaking loss, and learning to risk it all for a chance at happiness in this timeless novel. Get Between the Sound and Sea for 40% off with free shipping from Bakerbookhouse.com through August 5, 2024 Learn more about Amanda Cox on her WEBSITE. Follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
7/23/24 • 31:02
The Cape Cod Creamery series has been one of my favorites by Suzanne Woods Fisher, and can I just say I was disappointed when I realized I hadn't ordered Love on a Whim before chatting with Suzanne. Listen in to see what's in this book! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Oh, and can I just say that I was 100% wrong? Yeppers. 100%. Bakerbookhouse.com says I absolutely did order it. Finally found it. Guess where? Yeah! It was with the other two (already devoured) books. I put the thing away. Who does that? But seriously, I knew I'd love this book before I read the synopsis, but that synopsis grabbed me in a stranglehold and wouldn't let go. Come on! A woman gets married "on a whim" to a guy she just met and then runs away? To Cape Cod? Sign me up and take my money, please! Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher Brynn Haywood's impulsive marriage to a man she'd known less than 24 hours leaves her with deep regret. She flees to Cape Cod, finding refuge with her loyal friend, Dawn Dixon. As Brynn grapples with her emotions, Dawn acts swiftly, eager to help secure a lawyer for her through her mother Marnie's good friend, Lincoln Hayes. However, Lincoln's preoccupation with his daughter's lavish wedding brings unexpected challenges. The arrival of Lincoln's estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters further. Alarmed by his father's extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. As the wedding day arrives, Lincoln vanishes--and an unwelcome guest makes a surprise appearance. Psst... you can still get the book for 30% off with free shipping from BakerBookHouse.com (sorry... website is under maintenance as I type this, so I can't grab you a link). You can learn more about Suzanne from her WEBSITE. Also, follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
7/19/24 • 23:13
What better book option for Jane Austen July could you ask for than a time travel, time-slip novel full of all the romance and elegance of Regency England through the eyes of a contemporary US protagonist? Listen in to learn more from Linore Rose Burkard! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Beware shawls! You never know what they'll do to you? Linore Rose Burkard has created a fabulous series full of wonderful characters and unique settings that converge in this portal time-travel series. Forever Lovely by Linore Rose Burkard This sequel can be read as a stand-alone. 1819, England Miss Margaret Andrews’ sister disappeared into the future three years ago and Margaret hasn’t seen her since. Julian St. John brings her to visit, but only for a day since his wife Claire is about to give birth to their first child. He doesn’t know Margaret’s real desire is to find a modern invention to bring back with her. A bluestocking by nature and lacking her sister’s famous beauty, Margaret knows she must make her way in society by becoming an inventress. But when the tallit, the magical time-travel shawl, goes awry, she finds herself alone and stranded in 21st-century New York City! Present Day, Manhattan Stewart Russell is a grad student studying early British female writers when he meets Margaret at a Jane Austen Society Conference in New York. Margaret is mistaken for an attendee but fits right in. Stewart is thrilled by her knowledge of the writers he’s studying, almost as much as her effortless acting with the speech and manners of Jane’s day. Until she claims to be from Jane’s day! Worse, he is a wanted man due to a mix-up, and time is running out. Margaret longs to keep him safe from the blackguards pursuing him, but first she must convince him she really is from the past. But when she can’t even get herself back to 1819, how can she hope to bring Stewart too? It’s a race against time, and she must find a way before the unthinkable happens! If you enjoyed the time-travel romance of Outlander, then you'll love Margaret and Stewart's story in Forever Lovely. Buy now before the price changes! Learn more about Linore on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Don't miss out on Linore's book (and the other eleven) in the Once Upon a Courtship collection. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
7/16/24 • 25:15
The Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing comes to a close with Amanda Cabot's upcoming release of Into the Starlight. Listen in to learn more about the series and about the mystery that has kept us all curious as we read through this series! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. This whole series has fascinated me since the first time Amanda and I chatted about it. I was certain that book two, After the Shadows would be my favorite, but... I don't know. Now that I hear more from Amanda about this book, I'm not so sure. Add to that learning that there will be a Christmas novella available for preorder soon (don't forget to sign up for her newsletter so you can find out when it goes live!), and well... come on! EEEP! Into the Starlight by Amanda Cabot After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home. After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable. As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after. Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle. Into the Starlight is 40% off with FREE US shipping from BakerBookHouse.com through July 15th! Learn more about Amanda on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
7/12/24 • 27:20
Patricia Raybon has such a compelling author voice, and combined with rich characters and historically riveting settings, her Annalee Spain mystery series keeps readers on their toes. Listen in to learn what inspires Patricia's writing and what you may learn from it. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. One of the coolest things about Patricia Raybon's writing is that it shows part of American history that we don't often see. We're familiar with KKK activity in the South, but Denver? Add to that a character who is a theologian with her own family secrets to uncover even as she works to find out who killed someone and why, and the story grips you from page one and won't let you go. Additionally, Patricia's handling of racial tensions and atrocities serve to educate without being preachy. She handles these situations in a compassionate and intelligent way, offering readers a look into history that can be tough to encounter. I for one, can't wait for the next... and the next... and... Truth Be Told by Patricia Raybon Denver's newest detective. A garden's deadly secrets. On a lovely June night in 1924, amateur detective Annalee Spain is mingling bravely at a high-class political fundraiser in the lush backyard garden of famed political fixer Cooper Coates, one of the wealthiest men in Denver's Black neighborhood of Five Points. When Coates’s young daughter discovers a pretty stranger dead in her father’s garden shed, Annalee is thrust onto the baffling new case just as she’s reeling from another recent discovery—a handwritten letter, found buried in her own garden, that reveals the identity of her mother. Not ready to face the truth about her hidden past, Annalee throws herself into solving the mystery of the young woman’s demise. With the help of her pastor boyfriend Jack Blake, her orphaned buddy Eddie, and her trustworthy church friends, Annalee follows the clues to three seemingly disconnected settings—a traveling carnival set up downtown, a Black civic club, and a prestigious white seminary on the outskirts of Denver. Intriguing advice also comes from a famous, real-life Denver visitor. But is Annalee on the right track or just running in circles, fleeing from conflicts racing in her heart? In a taut, heart-gripping narrative driven by secrets, romance, and lies, Annalee must unravel a case with higher stakes than she imagined—one where answers about a lovely woman's death point to truths and tensions still throbbing today. A clean historical mystery featuring an amateur female detective, from the Christy Award–winning author of All That Is Secret Third installment in the Annalee Spain series Includes discussion questions for book groups You can find out more about Patricia on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
7/9/24 • 36:18
If you've never heard of the Acadians, you're in for a beautiful treat in The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz. Listen in and hear why I am excited for this book and her upcoming release this month note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I've seen Laura Frantz's books for years, and had even bought a couple. But when another author told me to read her Courting Morrow Little, I knew this gal someone I need to read. And learning how hard it is to find that book, I went to eBay and bought another copy just in case. Laura talked a lot about the history of the Acadians but ALSO about another book coming out soon (that is related to The Rose and Thistle... I think?) We recorded months ago, so I might have gotten that wrong. The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands. As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future. And don't miss her upcoming release: A Matter of Honor Available July 24, 2024 Having grown up at Wedderburn Castle in the serene Scottish Lowlands, Orin Hume is thrust into the dazzling realm of London society and Court circles as Poet Laureate of Britain. But at the height of his fame a former tragedy and his ties to a lass he once loved lead him home to Berwickshire again. When his return is further marred by lost love letters and scheming kin who conspire to keep the pair apart, can Lady Maryn Lockhart, now Duchess of Fordyce, forgive him? Or will the shadows of the past and the complexities of the present rewrite their love story? Learn more about Laura on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
7/5/24 • 31:05
Everyone knows I LOVE a good play on words, and when I listened to the audio sample of The Gardins of Edin, I was so excited that it really was a perfect one. But that's nothing to the story that unfolds in this book. Listen in to discover why Rosey Lee wrote this book. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. What could be cooler than four women of the Bible inspiring characters in a contemporary novel--four women who weren't ALL contemporaries of each other! You have Ruth and Naomi "types" and... Mary and Martha "types. Whoa. A huge, multi-million-dollar business and a matriarch and a family who doesn't accept a daughter-in-law. Wow. It sounds amazing, and I can't wait to read it. My copy is here (Thank you, Rosey Lee!) and my audiobook is on my phone. The Gardins of Edin by Rosey Lee When the bonds in their family begin to fray, four Black women fight to preserve their legacy, heal their wounds, and move forward together in this heartwarming contemporary debut novel with loose parallels to beloved women from the Bible. The four women of the Gardin family live side-by-side in Edin, Georgia, but residing in tight proximity doesn’t mean everything is picture-perfect. Ruth runs the family’s multimillion-dollar peanut business, a legacy of the Gardins’ formerly enslaved ancestors. But tensions have intensified since the death of her husband, Beau, and she feels like an outsider in the very place she wishes to belong. Sisters Mary and Martha fuel the family tension. Martha’s unfounded mistrust of Ruth causes her to constantly seek ways to undermine Ruth’s decisions with the business, while Mary, trying to focus on her new restaurant that serves healthy comfort food, is dragged into the family fray by Martha. For years, Naomi, the matriarch who raised the sisters after their parents’ death and supported Ruth in her grief, has played peacemaker. But as she decides to take a step back, hidden truths, life-and-death circumstances, and escalating clashes finally force the Gardin women to grapple with what it means to be a family. A heartwarming Southern story of family and all its many complexities, The Gardins of Edin delivers a thoughtful portrayal of four women trying to hold on to their secrets. Women who just might—if they can only let go—find the peace they seek by holding on to one another. Learn more about Rosey on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
7/2/24 • 30:41
